10 tips before renting a car for the holidays
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UPDATED ON JULY 08. 2019
Reading time: 4 min
A rental vehicle can be very useful during your vacation, especially if you plan to travel end to end the country or region you visit. The road can sometimes be fraught with obstacles, here are 10 simple recommendations to follow so that your stay goes smoothly and avoid any disappointment.
SUMMARY
1. A thoughtful project
2. The game of comparisons
3. Take the lead
4. Learn about the conditions of use
5. A GPS for traveling companion
6. Decrypt the lease agreement
7. What about the fuel package
8. The case of the deposit
9. Respect the watch
10. Before taking the road
1. A thoughtful project
Before booking, you have to think of everything. Begin by determining the duration of the rental, as well as the expected mileage and the number of passengers that will accompany you on your journey.
These three elements fixed, you will already see there more clear and will know towards which type of vehicle to orient you in priority: as a family, a large minivan is for example all right. Privilege a model that you are used to driving, adaptation and handling will be facilitated.
2. The game of comparisons
Simplify your life by doing all your reservation processes via the websites of the rental companies. From a distance, you can learn about brands and models available, as well as the services and packages offered. Remember that offers are usually more interesting online than in an agency.
Specialized comparators are also a good tool for balancing multiple providers and identifying those with the most competitive rates.
3. Take the lead
The more you go at the last minute, the more you will pay dearly. Logic : its park diminishing, the renter will propose prices higher and higher, which can vary in last minute from single to double.
So do not hesitate to anticipate your trip and book your car several months in advance, for a significant saving.
4. Learn about the conditions of use
When traveling long distances, it can be relaxing to give the wheel from time to time to one of your passengers . If you are in this configuration, make sure that adding an additional driver, especially if it is young, does not cause extra cost.
Another point of importance : if you plan to travel abroad, check that the border crossing is authorized, because not all agencies allow it.
5. A GPS for traveling companion
To circulate on axes that we do not know is not always obvious. In order to save time and save unnecessary detours, a navigation system , integrated or portable, can be a good solution. However, be aware that most rental companies charge this option.
If you do not want to put your hand in the purse, get your personal GPS or download a dedicated application on your smartphone. Today there is a plethora of them, very powerful in addition.
6. Decrypt the lease agreement
Read this key document carefully. Be wary of hidden supplements that can salt the final addition: exceeding mileage, optional equipment or cleaning at the end of the lease are all potential additional costs.
Check that the vehicle damage or theft insurance are included in the guarantees. If this is not the case, you can then choose to subscribe an extension, which will provide you with peace of mind.
7. What about the fuel package
When signing the contract , consider taking a look at the fuel package.
Three formulas coexist on the market: if you have a full tank at the pickup but do not reset the level at the delivery of the vehicle, you will have to pay a fixed surcharge. However, if you return it with an identical amount of fuel, no additional cost will be applied. Good pick for you if the package includes a free full !
8. The case of the deposit
The deposit acts as a guarantee for the renter. Variable, its amount is defined according to several parameters such as the category of the vehicle or the country of rental.
Make sure you have a sufficient ceiling on your credit card when taking over the vehicle. The sum will then be refunded automatically.
9. Respect the watch
A rental is always concluded for a full day, 24 hours . Specifically, if you receive your car at 17h, you must be able to return it at the same time and in its initial state.
Be punctual : any day started being due, you will easily avoid additional costs .
10. Before taking the road
Do you grant yourself the right to be punctilious? Carry out an inspection tour of the vehicle to check its general condition.
Note any bumps or scratches and be careful that these defects are listed on your lease, otherwise the responsibility will come back to you.
Also check that the document shows the correct number of kilometers displayed on the meter. Finally, check the fuel level before starting.
Find your rental car and enjoy the holidays with Editus!
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